Mullica’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Community Health Care Services Passes Committee

Legislation would support community health care workers through Medicaid reimbursements

DENVER, CO – Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bill to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement cleared the Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB23-002 would authorize the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to seek federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services, which would make urgently-needed care both easier to access and more affordable for the Coloradans who depend on it.

“As an emergency room nurse, I know community health workers can enhance the level of care experienced by a patient by monitoring their symptoms, educating the patient and their family, and so much more,” Mullica said. "Colorado is now one step closer to joining the 15 other states that have made it easier to obtain this essential service.”

Services provided by community health workers include preventative services, screening, and assessments, and health coaching and advocacy. The bill requires HCPF to seek federal approval by July 1, 2024, and to begin implementing coverage once approval is received.

SB23-002 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.